To Crop Or Not To Crop?

August 2, 2012
By: Isobel Morgan

Bralets, Crop Tops or under outer wear…. whatever you may call it, the underwear trend is still going strong. Slips and petticoats, much like the winter season, are out but still lingering; the fashion world’s main focus now is the Crop Top.

They seemed to have been reinvented since the 90s, and now come in all different styles and materials. I’ve seen many different girls wear different crop tops in various styles and materials, and they all seem to work very well.

I gave into the crop top trend myself a couple of months ago when I popped into Primark to buy some leggings, and then left £60 poorer (I would like to point out that I did not just spend £60 on crop tops, I restocked my essentials.) I stumbled across a wonderful netted, pink, embellished crop top tank, which features beaded flowers and faux pearls. The crop top itself, (for a wonderful price of £12) is now a staple going out/day top, and it has seen the light of day many times since its first outing, and will continue to do so into the future.

If you’re more likely to feel the cold more than the average person, or are not keen on exposing your midriff, then pair your crop top with high waisted trousers, shorts or skirts.  If you are, however, constantly in summertime mode or don’t mind showing some skin, then feel free to pair your crop top with any bottom of your choice.

One thing I ask of you, ladies, is not to pair leggings with crop tops; leggings are a wonderful invention for keeping warm, not to be worn as a pair of trousers or jeans (unless you wear them with a long top/t shirt/tunic. No one wants to see what knickers you’re wearing.)

 

 

The Basics

River Island

Cream sequin crop top

£25.00

Every girl needs a sparkling top to either jazz up a day outfit, or simply transform an LBD/LBS (little black dress/skirt). This sleeveless, sequinned version from River Island is the perfect balance of under-stated with the right amount of sequins to be noticeable. The open back is also perfect for those of you wishing to show more skin, without baring your soul.

 

 

Topshop

Rose Printed Corset

£30.00

Sweet, romantic and still a little bit sexy, the rose print corset is perfect for anyone! With underwired cups and adjustable straps, it is very much a bustier/corset, however, it carries enough splendour to be worn by those who aren’t swayed by the “innerwear is outerwear” trend.

 

Topshop

Cropped T shirt

£8.00

When in doubt, go for the ultimate basic.

 

 

  Urban Outfitters

Acid Wash Zip Crop Top

£22.00

For the girls who want something understated, or that relates to the age old acid wash trend.

 

 Topshop

Bralet

£24.00

 This is perfect for nights out/for the ladies who would prefer going for something slightly more lacy or revealing.

 

 

 

Outfits

Who would have thought the humble crop top could expand into entire outfits? Jackets, trousers, jeans and skirts are all being made to match these beauties, and below I have managed to find a couple of really special ones.

Floral Bra Top

 £27.00

Warehouse

Printed swan skirt and top

Price for outfit: £49.00

Warehouse

 

 

 Daisy print bra top

 £17.00

 Warehouse

 Dress Gallery Silk Cropped Printed Top

RRP £165.00

£85.00

 Asos

 

 

 

Sources:

topshop.com

asos.com

http://www.warehouse.co.uk/

http://www.riverisland.com/Online/

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/